Contract Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

3d•$5,425 - $8,886•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Mental Health Contracts, Contract Development Section, the Contract Specialist V is the primary liaison serving as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and assigned contractors. The Contract Specialist V performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, negotiation, routing, execution, oversight, interpretation, coordination and enforcement of assigned contracts. Other accountability responsibilities include: authorizing disbursements; managing contractor performance improvement, monitoring local match, state, and federal expenditure patterns; monitoring performance requirements, recommending remedies or sanctions for contract breach; processing contract and budget amendments; directing and coordinating critical date requirements, conducting contract-related data analyses, closing contracts and collecting unexpended contract balances. The Contract Specialist V works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

3 years of contract management or contract development experience.
Certified Texas Contract Manager or Certified Texas Contract Developer within 6 months of the date of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for a large governmental entity preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs all contract development duties for some Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Contract Management Unit contracts, from initial conceptualization to contract execution, including procurement, new contract development, contract renewal, and contract amendment. Duties include coordination with programmatic areas, PCS, legal, external and internal stakeholders, quality oversight, fiscal monitoring, BHS Leadership, and any others necessary to ensure quality contract work products and timely delivery. May participate in working groups related to policies, competitive procurement, program operations or other matters.
Performs all contract management duties for some Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Contract Management Unit contracts, including amendment, budget and payment processes, monitoring, risk assessment, oversight, and closeout. May develop, review, or interpret contract management policy, processes, or other documents. Has considerable latitude for independent judgment and action in contractor communications and is HHSC's lead representative on communication with the contractors on contract matters. Serves as subject matter expert in contract management and assigned contracts. Coordinates meetings for contracts/programs assigned. Develops/evaluates performance contract related reports and findings, monitors program activities to identify process improvements. Analyzes reports for trends and program compliance related to the performance contract.
Ensures appropriate contract oversight through coordination of a diverse team playing various oversight functions. The Contract Specialist V maintains awareness of all matters of performance, including quality assurance and fiscal monitoring oversight performed on contracts and synthesizes those reviews with other performance information, ensuring that the team, collectively, provides necessary aspects of contract oversight. Internal and external reporting on matters of performance may be required. The Contract Specialist V may be responsible for any or all contract actions related to contract performance and oversight.
Represents the Mental Health Contract Management Unit at meetings, at conferences, and in written and verbal communication. Provides quality assurance oversight for all activities performed by assigned unit staff. Works effectively with staff from contractors and other external stakeholders. Works cooperatively with other agency sections, departments, and divisions to solve problems, create improved operating methods or procedures and to respond to agency needs.
Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to: disaster response, representing the Mental Health Contract Management Unit at meetings not described in other essential job functions; developing policies/processes; drafting internal/external communications; representing the agency at internal/external stakeholder functions; and aiding other Behavioral Health Services staff in their duties, as necessary.